apellidos
/apeʝidos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "last names" is translated into Spanish as apellidos.
Apellidos refers to the family names that follow a person's given name. While the word nombre can mean a person's entire name, when used in contrast with apellidos, it refers specifically to the given name.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form, apellido, is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/apeʝidos/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use nombre to mean "last name" because it is a general word for "name", but you must use apellido for the family name.
When do people say it?
In most Spanish-speaking cultures, a person's full name includes two surnames, often referred to as dos apellidos: the first is from the father and the second is from the mother.
Did you know?
- If a person with two apellidos marries, they often keep their original names rather than taking the spouse's name, which is the traditional custom in much of the English-speaking world.
- In historical Spanish documents, apellidos were often added to names based on a person's profession or place of birth to better distinguish individuals in a community.
- In Spanish, the word apellido comes from the verb apellidar, which means to give a name or a nickname to someone.
Examples in context
- Entre los amigos, no se usan los apellidos.Last names aren't used among friends.Tatoeba #5884489 by arh, translation #9524972 by DJ_Saidez
- Tradicionalmente, los españoles llevan un nombre de pila y dos apellidos.Traditionally, Spaniards have one first name and two last names.Tatoeba #5884479 by arh, translation #10814777 by Luornu
- Señor García, ¿puede ayudarme con esto?Mr. García, can you help me with this?
- Escribe tus apellidos en este formulario.Write your last names on this form.
Example conversation
María is helping Alejandro fill out a registration form.
- MaríaEscribe aquí tus apellidos, por favor.Write your last names here, please.
- AlejandroClaro, ¿debo poner los dos?Sure, should I put both?
- MaríaSí, pon todos tus apellidos.Yes, put all your last names.
- AlejandroDe acuerdo, ya está listo.All right, it is ready now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
